FDA Backing Off Spent Grain Proposal, Transparency on Immigration

The FDA appears to be backing off of a proposed rule that would have caused distillers to dump spent grains instead of using them for livestock feed.

The FDA said it will revise proposed livestock feed rules after hearing objections about the potential cost from brewers.

Brewers had warned that the grain could end up in landfills if the new FDA rules added too much expense to beer production or the storage and transportation of grains. They gained support from federal lawmakers who lobbied the agency to take another look at its proposal.

Agriculture Workforce Coalition members met with immigration stakeholders and Homeland Security Secretary recently highlighting the united front put forth by agriculture in calling for a legislative solution to America’s immigration problems.

Charles Conner, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives President and CEO, says the secretary stressed the need for more clarity and transparency in the enforcement of current U.S. immigration laws.

The coalition believes there is a viable window for action on immigration reform this year, according to Conner, and will continue to work with key House members to accomplish that goal.